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Academic Year 2005/2006

Introduction to Middle East Politics
GOVT 272 FA

This course is designed to introduce students to the current political landscape of the Middle East, and begins with a grounding in historical context. In the first half of the course, students will learn about various states from a comparative perspective, examining nationalism, economic development, liberalization, and political Islam across cases. The second half of the course delves into the international relations of the Middle East, and covers the Arab-Israeli conflict and peace process, the Iran-Iraq war, the Gulf war, and the current American war on terrorism. Reasons for the persistence of conflict between the Middle East and the West will also be considered.

MAJOR READINGS

William Cleveland, A HISTORY OF THE MODERN MIDDLE EAST, 2nd edition.
Raymond A. Hinnebusch and Anoushiravan Ehteshami, eds., FOREIGN POLICIES OF MIDDLE EAST STATES
Michael Barnett, DIALOGUES IN ARAB POLITICS
Will also include readings from Fouad Ajami, Bernard Lewis, William Quandt, Benny Morris, Bickerton and Klausner, Samuel Huntington, and others.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Students will take midterm and final exams, write an 8-10 page paper, take a map quiz, and do biweekly current events presentations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Class discussion will form a vital part of the course, and students will be expected to participate actively. Students' grades will reflect the extent of their preparedness for and participation in class discussions.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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